The award-winning Mazda6 is officially Australia's most affordable medium car to own says a comprehensive vehicle cost survey conducted by the Royal Automobile Association of Victoria (RACV).

The RACV's 2010 Driving Your Dollars survey of 78 of the country's most popular cars found that owning a Mazda6 Limited over a five year period would leave more in the consumer's hip-pocket than any other medium-size car.

The per kilometre ownership cost for each vehicle was calculated on an assumed standard of the car being bought new, that it would be comprehensively insured, financed over five years and driven 15,000km each year.

The survey's main criteria included on-road price, trade-in value, total standing costs per week (e.g. depreciation, interest, rego and insurance) and total vehicle running costs (e.g. fuel, tyres and maintenance).

Mazda6 came out trumps ahead of all segment rivals including Toyota Camry, Subaru Liberty and Honda Accord Euro.

"Mazda6 Limited is very competitive, thanks to its best in class standing costs," stated the report released this week by the RACV.

As the country's top-selling medium import, Mazda6 has enjoyed long-time popularity. With a choice of two economical powertrains and four feature-packed grades boasting standard equipment including cruise control and Dynamic Stability Control, the recently facelifted Mazda6 range has something for everyone.

Mazda Australia's managing director Doug Dickson couldn't be happier with the results of the survey.

"This is another fantastic run on the board for our popular Mazda6. We work very hard to ensure that our vehicles are brought to market with the consumer top of mind.

"Having people buy our cars is one thing, but the long-term ownership experience including the cost of ownership is also important. We're pleased to receive recognition of this from one of the country's most respected motoring authorities.

"Better yet Mazda6 offers consumers an attractive interior and exterior design package backed up by class-leading performance and driving dynamics."

For more information contact:

Steve Maciver
Public Relations Manager
(03) 8540 1961
0437 125 589
smaciver@mazda.com.au

Lydia Richards
Media Communications Manager
(03) 8540 1962
0439 347 658
lrichards@mazda.com.au